Not many high school students juggle event planning, fundraising, and leadership roles, but 18-year-old Amelia Schnieders does.
As a first-year director on the American Junior Aberdeen board, a large association that hosts an annual Junior National Show each June, Schnieders is already making a difference.
After attending Junior Nationals for the past nine years, she decided she wanted to do more than participate—she wanted to help plan the event, which will be held in Dodge City, Kansas this year.
“I would see the kids forming close relationships with each other and how passionate they were about the American Aberdeens,” Schnieders said. “The event was dedicated to making sure all the kids were having fun. This made me want to help make the show possible by having a leadership role in it.”
Joining the board wasn’t easy. Amelia earned her position through an application, essay, and interview process.
“I went into the interview trying to remember that I had one goal in mind—be on the board,” Schnieders said.
One of her many roles as a director involves ensuring the facilities of the event meet the board’s requirements.
“I have to make sure the place will accommodate our needs,” Schnieders said. “We need a space to wash our cattle and keep them during the day and night, an area for kids to have fun, and a kitchen where lunches can be prepared.”
In addition, the board has to consider the finances of the facility.
“Since this is our biggest fundraising opportunity, I have to make calls asking people to donate for Junior Nationals,” Schnieders said.
The board meets in person three times a year and meets over Google Meets the rest of the time. Remote communication is challenging for Schnieders because of the required dedication and precision.
“It can be hard to relay information from person to person because it’s over the phone,” Schnieders said. “So when I hear someone will donate, I have to make sure I send the message back to the rest of the group.”
Despite the challenges, this role has allowed her to develop important skills.
“I am developing communication skills and leadership skills that allow me to communicate more effectively with people over the phone,” Schnieders said. “Being a leader will help me make decisions on my own and choose my path in life.”
Amelia is thankful for the opportunities being a member of the board has brought her.
“The biggest reward has been meeting people and making connections from all over the United States,” Schnieders said. “I wouldn’t have met these people if I wasn’t on the board.”
While she excels in her role as director, she hopes to have a bigger board position, like secretary or treasurer, for next year’s Junior Nationals.
“By stepping into a position with more responsibility, I’ll be able to enhance my leadership skills even more, and hopefully make a greater impact on the team.”
